“It's the equivalent of having a smoke detector in your house without batteries,” he said.

The 2002 Water Classification Regulation was implemented to classify water systems to protect them for their intended uses, such as drinking, recreation and wildlife.

Environmental groups were tasked with testing the waters and submitting applications for classification. Nineteen did so, but Murray says a clause in the regulation allows ministers to have final discretion on any classification.

Across the border, however, Maine has been using the system for years.

Freshwater policy specialist David Courtemanch helped implement the system in Maine. He says having a classification for rivers, gives the public confidence in the safety of resource development projects.

“Everybody knows what the target goals are for a waterbody and can work toward those collectively,” he said. “Instead of creating these antagonistic types of debates that go on.”

He said the regulation would give direction to the agency about how to manage.